I am a planner and a saver. And I'm about to do neither of those by going on an RV trip in July with no destination chosen or RV yet.Some family circumstances have prompted me and my wife to do this now. It will be an important time together for our family - daughters 14 and 12. And I have been given clearance to take 3 weeks off work.We have camped in tents and owned a pop-up for a while.I really want to do a long trip in a Class C. I've been spending the last 3 days researching used C's and rental options. Renting is expensive for that long of a trip. That is why I've considered by a used motorhome, then deciding to keep or sell later. I've bought and sold many vehicles, so I'm aware of the trouble and expense. But I've actually been researching RV's off and on for almost 15 years. Though I do not own one, I've got a decent idea of what to expect.But my main dilemma is deciding whether to rent or buy. More risk with buying. I would have to finance. But we can take our time and also decide if we want to keep it.Rentals seem to be in the $5000-6000 or more range.Seeing some units at PPL for sale in the $17-25K range. If anyone feels like responding, I might be interested in knowing which way you would lean - rent or buy?

Though you didn't give an estimate of the rental costs, I'd be inclined to buy.Bill

There are some new websites where RV owners list their RVs for rent. The prices seem to be cheaper than the nationwide rental companies. Do a Google search and you'll see the new websites...one is outdoorsy.com.If you already had the RV and it is dependable it would be the least expensive way to travel. Buying an RV or renting will drive your costs up to the same as a plane or car trip and stay in hotels.Another thing to consider is many of the RV parks, campgrounds and even some state and national parks offer onsite RVs or cabins (small mobile homes/ tiny houses) to rent. So you would travel from destination to destination in a car and spend the night in one of these accommodations.There are also companies and private owners that will park an RV at a site for you to rent.Good luck in your decision and have a great trip.

Here is my perspective. You got about a year before your kids don't want to do stuff with you . More or less. Buy a camper. go on some trips before your kids grow up.....

I believe the bear 2 to be correct - "There are some new websites where RV owners list their RVs for rent. The prices seem to be cheaper than the nationwide rental companies." And so is fourthclassC.....GO now with your kids.

Updated above with rental prices I have seen at major rental companies.I did run across some individuals renting cheaper, but typically older units. And then what happens if it breaks down? Besides not being financially liable, they are probably no more reliable than buying my own used unit.

Summer Trip - Rent or Buy? | Good Sam Community

29 Replies

Snowman9000
Explorer
May 24, 2017
Given the parameters, me personally, I would probably buy. Maybe I'd kick myself later, but I would have a hard time renting for 5 or 6 grand.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
May 24, 2017
go find a great used rv ,there sitting in yards garages all over the world just waiting for some one to ask if its for sale. see one in your are ,,it don,t move?stop and ask.
coolmom42
Explorer II
May 24, 2017
fourthclassC wrote:
Here is my perspective. You got about a year before your kids don't want to do stuff with you . More or less. Buy a camper. go on some trips before your kids grow up.....

Yep.

Or they get so tied down with extracurricular stuff that they can't get away. (Which in my opinion is just nuts, but it happens.)
PartyOf_Five
Explorer
May 24, 2017
But it cuz you want to, not to save money or because it makes sense. I agree with everything said, have owned mine about a year, and it sits in the driveway a lot. But we have a blast with it, and is a while new set of experiences. Ultimately, that's what you remember!
jth442
Explorer
May 24, 2017
Updated above with rental prices I have seen at major rental companies.
I did run across some individuals renting cheaper, but typically older units. And then what happens if it breaks down? Besides not being financially liable, they are probably no more reliable than buying my own used unit.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 24, 2017
I believe the bear 2 to be correct - "There are some new websites where RV owners list their RVs for rent. The prices seem to be cheaper than the nationwide rental companies." And so is fourthclassC.....GO now with your kids.
fourthclassC
Explorer
May 24, 2017
Here is my perspective. You got about a year before your kids don't want to do stuff with you . More or less. Buy a camper. go on some trips before your kids grow up.....
the_bear_II
Explorer
May 24, 2017
There are some new websites where RV owners list their RVs for rent. The prices seem to be cheaper than the nationwide rental companies. Do a Google search and you'll see the new websites...one is outdoorsy.com.

If you already had the RV and it is dependable it would be the least expensive way to travel. Buying an RV or renting will drive your costs up to the same as a plane or car trip and stay in hotels.

Another thing to consider is many of the RV parks, campgrounds and even some state and national parks offer onsite RVs or cabins (small mobile homes/ tiny houses) to rent. So you would travel from destination to destination in a car and spend the night in one of these accommodations.

There are also companies and private owners that will park an RV at a site for you to rent.

Good luck in your decision and have a great trip.
Trackrig
Explorer II
May 24, 2017
Though you didn't give an estimate of the rental costs, I'd be inclined to buy.

Bill

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Summer Trip - Rent or Buy?

29 Replies

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